Childproofing your home is important to keep your little ones safe. Today, parents worry about how to shield their children from the violence of the outside world, but a lot of parents overlook one of the major threats to their child’s safety… their home.

Yes, there may be child safety gates at both ends of your staircase. You have put all toiletries, kitchen supplies, and medications safely out of children’s reach. You have installed stove guards and outlet covers. But is your home completely child-proof?

These recommendations will go a long way in keeping your home a safe place for your children.

Smoke detectors. There are some safety precautions that may be specific for little ones, but you need to make your home generally safe for the entire household. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every floor of your home – and this includes the basement. These should ideally be both battery and electrically powered, so if the battery dies, the electrical will take over, and vice versa. In addition, keep a fire extinguisher in the basement and another in the kitchen.
Air quality. Your home’s air quality might be poor, even if you can’t smell it. Allergen and dust may not bother you, but it could affect your little ones who may have or develop certain allergies or asthma. Be sure to have your ductwork and the air filters in your air conditioning cleaned regularly.
Pets. There are animals who are carriers of salmonella, such as amphibians and turtles. The cute family dog or cat could be hazards too. Even when empty, pet food dishes can be harmful to exploring little hands as they harbor bacteria. Ask your local veterinarian or your pediatrician in Dallas for advice on these matters.
Plants. Some plants are beautiful but poisonous. Potting extras like mulch and gravel could make a child sick if they are ingested. Plant decorations like rocks and marbles are definite choking hazards.
Windows. You may have, at some point, heard about stories of children pushing against windows to a disastrous result. Your safest bets are metal window guards. If you plan to install new windows, select ones with a top opening above the halfway point as an extra protection against hazards. Also, keep climbable furniture away from windows so that your children won’t be tempted to go up and explore.

Get a second opinion. It might also be best to hire a professional to inspect your home from a child’s perspective and offer solutions. For more advice on your child’s well-being and safety, your local pediatricians in Dallas at Pediatric Associates of Dallas are here to help.